------------------------------------------------------- CONVENTION OF THE GOAN DIASPORA FROM GOA INTO THE WORLD Lisbon, Portugal June 15-17, 2007 Details at: http://www.goacom.org/casa-de-goa/noticias.html -------------------------------------------------------
http://www.goa-world.com/goa/qatar/mayqueen07/index.htm QATAR's ANNUAL MAY QUEEN BALL 2007 IS AN EVENT OF THE YEAR IN THE GULF Malika Mohseni, cabin crew of Qatar Airways was crowned as 'May Queen' at the 7th Annual May Queen 2007 at May ball dance organized by Goan Welfare Association at the Diplomatic Club, Doha on Thursday. Mohensi piped Dolly Harish Kanjani (First runner-up) and Stacy Dias (Second runner-up) from Bahrain to bag the top honours at the dance which is one of the main socializing event of the year for Indians from the tiny coastal state of Goa. Winner Malika Mohseni, who was crowned at the hands of Indian TV actor Manish Goel of Nach Baliye fame, walked away with a Gold Neckless worth Qrs. 2500/- sponsored by Lone Star Jewellery and loads of prizes including Airline ticket by Indian Airlines, two nights weekend stay for two at the Four Seasons and a wrist westar watch. Dolly Harish Kanjani who was crowned First runner-up by Indian TV actor Poonam Goel of Nach Baliye fame, walked away with dinner voucher for two at Inter-Continental, Vacuum Cleaner and a westar watch. Second Runner up Stacy Dias from Bahrain who was crowned by Praveen Bhatnagar, General Manager of Splash, Title sponsor of the may ball dance, won a dinner voucher for two at Ritz Carlton, westar watch and a DVD player by Almana & Partners. The contestants were judged by a panel comprising of Archie D'Mello - Office Manager of CEO of Qatar Airways, Donald Pereira - a Goan Businessman and Margaret Al Sharawi - Grooming and Standard Officer for Cabin Crew at Qatar Airways. 15 young charming beauties participated in the contest which included participants from Kuwait and Bahrain. Each of them did the catwalk and were presented a rose from Gardenia along with their question. Besides all the participants were given shopping vouchers at the Splash that was presented by Mr. Praveen Bhatnagar, General Manager of Splash The husband-wife Indian TV actors Manish and Poonam Goel kicked off the fun fare by joining the crowd in shaking a leg or two. The duo started dancing among the crowds which set the mood soaring for the entire show. The couple appreciated the efforts put in by Goan Welfare Association's effort in organizing the show and remarked that they felt they have been transformed back to Goa after watching the enthusiasm and high spirits of the crowd. "Such a lovely show makes them feel like we are in Goa ." They added. Manish and Poonam Goel, were not the only Indian filmi stars who made their presence at the show is was Veteran actor Asrani who made a sudden Guest appearance and entertained the crowd briefly. The venue which was packed to its capacity was not restricted to just Goans but their friends hailing from nationalities who partook in the fun and frolic and enjoyed the music belted by the Goan band Forefront- a band which was especially flown in for the dance. The band on its part kept the dancers and those who did not wish to dance in good spirits belting music numbers which stirred up some of the reluctant dancers to take to the dance floor. Upcoming singer Agatha on the vocals was inspiring. Crowd enjoyed until the wee hours of next morning cheering the band and commenting one of the best show in the middle east. Some of the guests who has specially flown to partake in the fun and frolic of the dance all the way from Kuwait, Dubai and Bahrain . Earlier the event was kicked off in a spectacular fashion by Updesh Swar, the mood setter of the event - who too came all the way from Goa for the show - amidst fireworks and awesome serenading of guitars in the background by Forefront. A grand march was conducted by the MC led by the President and followed by all the members. The event was declared open by the GWA President Simon D'Silva. All the guests were welcomed and presented flower bouques. Simon D'Silva in his welcome note acknowledged the presence of Mr. R. Seetharaman - Deputy CEO of Doha Bank, Mr. Praveen Bhatnagar of Splash, Mr. Brahma Rao of State Bank of India, Mr. Wahi of Ramada, Mr. V. Chowdhery of Almuftah Group and thanked all the sponsors who make this much awaited event to happen. He thanked the lovely people for the huge turnout. There were number of prizes given away at the dance for different individuals by the organiers. The event was a joint event of Goan Welfare Association and Splash presentation. Splash was the Title Sponsor, State Bank of India was Co-Sponsor, Qatar Airways was Official Carrier, Ramada Plaza was the Official Hotel and Gulf Times the Official Media.. The release of 'Domnic's Goa' - a book by the Goan author Domnic PF Fernandes was done at the hands of Hazel Rodrigues, General Secretary of GWA in the presence of Carmo Santos, Chairman of Goan Cultural Centre, Kuwait, Ramdas Ravadker and C. Pinheiro also from GCC, Kuwait. Francis Correia, President of Young Goans Club Bahrain could not attend it due to the unavoidable circumstances at the last minute but sent his best wishes to the organisers. Steve Dias from Bahrain and Pragna Vaya, Managing Director of Orbit Events Dubai too attended the mega event. As a token of love and appreciation GWA presented momentos to Manish and Poonam Goel from the hands of GWA Vice President - PR Lubino Soares and Vice President - Sports Martin Mascarenhas respectively for accepting GWA's invitation. Mathew Estrocio, Vice President - Cultural also presented a momento on behalf of GWA to Basil Coutinho, founder member of the association who has left for good and was specially flown in to Qatar to attend this great event. The sound and lighting for the may ball was provided by DJ Mario. Photos and DVD's of the event are available at the Gulf Colours, Offcial Video and Photography, the organizers have informed. Other major sponsors are; The Diplomatic Club, Doha Bank, Al-Muftah Group, Commercial Bank of Qatar, Qatar Industrial Equipment, Arabian Exchange Company, Lulu Hypermarket Trading Co., Norsk Hydro and Yara Int'l ASA Middle East, Construction Development Co. (CDC), M/s. Al Sulaiman Jewellers, Jet Travels, Gulf International Project Development Co., Indian Airlines, Mercure Accor Hotels, Four Seasons Hotel, Lone Star Jewellery, Overseas Travel Bureau. Sponsors: Mannai Trading Company, Caspian Pearl, Indoors, Beauty Lights, Qatar Trading & Transport Company, Consolidated Contractors International Company (CCIC), Qatar Kentz, Mega Mart, Trelco Limited Company, Safari Kansai Co., Inspection Corrosion Enginering, Transind, Al-Taqadum Library, Gulf International Enterprises, Aero Freight Services, Atlantic Ocean Library, Sheraton Hotel, Inter-Continental Hotel, Ritz Carlton, Almana & Partners, Intertec, Westar Watches - Domasco, Royal Goan Beach Club, Modern Home, Q-Soft, Seven Tech for Office Support, Continental Traders, Gardenia, Qatar Tours, Kebab King, Lazer Advertising Dubai - UAE., Designer Textiles & Tailors, Swagath Restaurant and Qatar Plant Hire. ------------------------------------------------------- Goanet recommends, and is proud to be associated with, 'Domnic's Goa' - A nostalgic romp through a bygone era. This book is the perfect gift for any Goan, or anyone wanting to understand Goa. Distributed locally by Broadway, near Caculo Island, Panjim & internationally by OtherIndiaBookStore.Com. For trade enquiries contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] -------------------------------------------------------
